SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) Nasal Spray Treatment for Depression
A New Path to Relief: SPRAVATO for Treatment-Resistant Depression
At Revitalizing Remedies, we understand how debilitating depression can be, especially when traditional therapies have failed. If you or a loved one is battling persistent symptoms, you may be suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). We are proud to offer SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray, a groundbreaking, FDA-approved treatment that works differently than traditional antidepressants to provide rapid relief.
We are a certified provider offering supervised SPRAVATO® for depression treatment sessions in a comfortable, healing environment. Located in New Jersey, we are dedicated to bringing this revolutionary ketamine treatment option to our community, including those seeking SPRAVATO® in Hackettstown NJ.
What is SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO® is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, which is derived from ketamine. It is specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two key populations:
- Adults with
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), used in combination with an oral antidepressant.
- Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have acute suicidal thoughts or actions.
This therapy is designed for individuals who have tried at least two different oral antidepressants at adequate doses for a sufficient time without seeing a satisfactory improvement in their symptoms.
How Ketamine Treatment Works
Unlike most oral antidepressants, which target neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, SPRAVATO® works by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain.
Esketamine, the active ingredient, is an NMDA receptor antagonist. By modulating this key receptor, the treatment is believed to rapidly restore synaptic function in brain circuits associated with mood and cognition. This mechanism allows for a swift onset of action, offering potential relief within hours or days, which is crucial for those in the middle of a severe depressive episode.
Patients who participate in treatment with SPRAVATO® in combination with an oral antidepressant often report:
- Reduced presence and severity of depressive symptoms.
- Continued symptom improvement after initial treatment.
- A longer time to relapse of depressive symptoms compared to placebo.
If you are seeking advanced ketamine treatment for depression, SPRAVATO® offers a scientifically backed and powerful option.
The SPRAVATO Treatment Experience at Revitalizing Remedies
We are a REMS-certified provider, meaning we follow strict FDA guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of your treatment.
1. Assessment and Planning
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine if SPRAVATO® is the right fit for your unique treatment history and goals. Our medical team will design a personalized plan, which may include combining ketamine treatment in NJ with ongoing psychotherapy and your current antidepressant regimen.
2. Administration and Monitoring
The treatment is administered via a nasal spray, self-administered by the patient under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional in our comfortable, dedicated treatment room.
Session Length: A full treatment session, including administration and the required observation period, lasts approximately two and a half hours.
Observation: Because potential side effects include drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, and dissociation, you must remain in our care for a minimum of two hours following administration for close monitoring.
3. Typical Treatment Schedule
A typical course of SPRAVATO® treatment involves three phases:
| Phase | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | Twice per week | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maintenance | Once per week | Weeks 5-8 |
| Stabilization | Once every one to two weeks | Week 9 and onward (as determined by your provider) |
4. Post-Treatment Requirements
Patient safety is our top priority. Due to the potential for sedation and impaired judgment, you must arrange for reliable transportation to take you home after every treatment session. You must not drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring complete alertness until the next day, following a restful sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato (Ketamine Treatment) in NJ
Is Spravato the same as Ketamine Infusions?
No. While both use a form of ketamine, they are administered differently and treat different conditions. SPRAVATO® is an esketamine nasal spray, the s-enantiomer of ketamine, and is FDA-approved specifically for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and MDD with suicidal thoughts. Traditional ketamine treatment (IV infusions) uses racemic ketamine and is often used off-label for depression, but it is not FDA-approved in the same way as SPRAVATO®.
How long does the Spravato treatment session last?
The total time required for a SPRAVATO® session is about 2.5 hours. This includes the self-administration of the nasal spray and the required two-hour observation period afterward.
How quickly does Spravato start working?
SPRAVATO® is known for being fast-acting. Many patients report feeling positive effects and a reduction in depressive symptoms within hours of the first treatment, or within the first two days, which is much faster than traditional oral antidepressants.
What is the typical treatment schedule?
The typical schedule starts with two sessions per week for the first four weeks. This is usually followed by one session per week for the next four weeks. After the initial two months, the frequency is tapered based on your progress and is determined by you and your provider.
Will my insurance cover Spravato treatment?
Since SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved, it is covered by many major insurance providers, especially for patients with a documented diagnosis of Treatment-Resistant Depression. Our team at Revitalizing Remedies will work with you to verify your benefits, obtain prior authorization, and advise you on potential out-of-pocket costs and savings programs.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects reported are dissociation (a feeling of detachment), dizziness, nausea, sedation, spinning sensation (vertigo), and anxiety. These side effects are typically temporary, occur shortly after administration, and are why you must be closely monitored by a clinician for two hours.
Why do I need to stay and be monitored after treatment?
Monitoring is a mandatory requirement under the SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. It ensures patient safety by allowing our clinicians to closely observe and manage any immediate side effects like sedation or dissociation until they have subsided.
Can I drive myself home after a Spravato session?
No. You are required to arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or rideshare service to transport you home after every treatment session. You must not drive or operate heavy machinery until the day after treatment, following a full night of rest.
Contact Revitalizing Remedies Today
Ready to explore how SPRAVATO® can help you achieve remission from severe depression? Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.
